Trade Support Loans

If you are an Australian apprentice, then you could be eligible for a Trade Support Loan.

The Government introduced the TSL program to help take the financial pressure off apprentices upon completion of their qualifications.

The TSL is set at a maximum value of $21,078 over a four-year term. The loan assists students with everyday costs associated with carrying out an apprenticeship – specialist equipment, transport or industry insurances – items that are essential to the apprentice completing their qualification.

To be eligible for a Trade Support Loan you must be undertaking one of the following:

• a Certificate III or IV qualification that leads to an occupation on the Trade Support Loans
• Priority List (which are the same occupations as on the National Skills Needs List) a Certificate II, III of IV in the agriculture sector
• a Certificate II, III or IV in the horticulture sector, where the apprentice is working in a rural or regional area.

You can find more information, including repayment figures and how to apply for a TSL on the Victorian Government Australian Apprenticeships website. 

This information is not financial advice. Melbourne Polytechnic strongly advises that all students wishing to apply for a Trades Support Loan seek independent financial advice. The Trades Support Loan program has strict eligibility criteria. To find out whether you are eligible for a TSL, please visit the Australian Apprenticeships website.